FRIENDS of Cilla Black from East Lancashire joined family members and fans at her funeral in Liverpool yesterday.

Comedian and radio presenter Ted Robbins, Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans and businessman and former Clitheroe Mayor Kevin Horkin were among the mourners.

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Mr Horkin, who owns nine opticians and clothing stores across the North West, was a close friend of Cilla’s for more more than 20 years.

They met at a Coronation Street anniversary celebration she was hosting which Mr Horkin, 52, attended as he provided animals to the show.

They hit it off and she helped him with books he published and they mutually supported each other’s charitable efforts.

Speaking from the celebration of Cilla’s life at the Hilton Hotel in Manchester, he said: “It was a wonderful, emotional and dignified service, befitting of such a warm, generous and talented person. Cilla and I hit it off straight away and she was very supportive of her friends.

Cilla’s sons told me it was her express wish that people celebrated her life until the early hours at her funeral so I intend to do just that.”

Nigel Evans posted on his Facebook page: “ A bright shining superstar has her place in heaven - but oh too soon.”

He later posted a picture from the order of service and said: “ A wonderful service - thanks for a lorra laughs Cilla.”

Carol Vorderman, Christopher Biggins and Paul O’Grady were among the other stars at St Mary’s Church in the Liverpool suburb of Woolton. Showbiz pal Biggins, due to give a reading at the funeral, and O’Grady, giving the final eulogy, arrived along with singer Gerry Marsden, comedian Jimmy Tarbuck and TV presenter Carol.

Singer Sir Tom Jones was also at the funeral and said: “She was always happy and she always had the common touch.

“We come from working class people and she never forgot it, she was always the same.”

Comedian Jimmy Tarbuck, friends with Cilla since he was 15, said: “She was Liverpool’s Cinderella.”

He added that she would be remembered as “the girl next door, somebody’s favourite auntie, just a nice, nice person”.

Sir Cliff Richard, who sang at the funeral, and Lord Lloyd-Webber were also among the other guests.